Grid Interconnection

Withdrawn standard. This recommended practice contains application guidelines and procedures for the interconnection and compatible operation of a SWECS with electric utilities. It addresses the interface between the wind system and the utility and the factors relating to equipment protection, power quality, and the safety of operating personnel and the general public.

This Code sets the minimum conditions that a distributor must meet in carrying out its obligations to distribute electricity under its licence and the Energy Competition Act, 1998. Unless otherwise stated in the licence or Code, these conditions apply to all transactions and interactions between a distributor and all retailers, generators, distributors, transmitters and consumers of electricity who use the distributor’s distribution system.

This standard is intended for distributor personnel in charge of integrating distributed generation into the distribution system. It is also intended for power producers with generating stations connected to the Hydro-Québec MV distribution system. They are required to comply with this standard.

1.1 These requirements cover small wind turbine systems (WT) and electrical subassemblies. With respect to this standard, small WT are considered to be wind turbines where a user or service person cannot or is not intended to enter the turbine to operate it or perform maintenance. These units are intended for use in stand-alone (not grid-connected) or utility interactive applications. Utility-interactive, grid-tied WT are operated in parallel with an electric power system (EPS) to supply power to common loads.

The technical specifications for, and testing of, the interconnection between utility electric power systems (EPS) and distributed energy resources (DER) are the focus of this standard. It provides requirements relevant to the performance, operation, testing, safety considerations, and maintenance of the interconnection. It also includes general requirements, response to abnormal conditions, power quality, islanding, and test specifications and requirements for design, production, installation evaluation, commissioning, and periodic tests.

The guide covers the application of metal-oxide surge arresters to safeguard electric power equipment, with a nominal operating voltage 1000 V and above, against the hazards of abnormally high-voltage surges of various origins. It also provides information on the characteristics of metal-oxide surge arresters and the protection of substation equipment, distribution systems, overhead lines, and large electrical machines.

1.1 This Standard specifies the electrical requirements for safe interconnection of inverter-based micro-distributed resource (micro-DR) systems to low-voltage systems connected to distribution systems. The output of these systems is limited to 600 V (nominal) or less (single or three phase).
1.2 Intentional islanding conditions and interconnection to secondary networks are not covered in this Standard. Note: Inverter types and operating modes are provided in Annex F.

1.1 This Standard specifies the technical requirements for the interconnection of distributed resources (DR) and distribution systems up to 50 kV line to line. This Standard covers all distributed resource technologies with an aggregate capacity of 10 MW or less at the point of common coupling (PCC).

1.2 This Standard does not define the maximum DR capacity or the upper voltage limit for installations that are interconnected with a single PCC or connected to a given feeder.

1.3 This Standard covers the interconnection of (a) inverter-based DR systems and distribution systems where the PCC is at medium voltage; and (b) generator-based DR systems and distribution systems where the PCC is at low or medium voltage. See CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 257 for interconnections of inverter-based DR systems and distribution systems where the PCC is at low voltage.

1.4 The objective of this Standard is to specify minimum requirements for the (a) safety of persons; (b) continuity of service; and (c) protection of property.

1.5 This Standard does not apply to secondary network connections and does not address (a) protection of the power producer's facility; (b) operating requirements for DR units; (c) intentional islanding; (d) transmission system impact and upgrades; (e) planning, design, or operation of the distribution system or DR system; (f) metering, rates, tariffs, and other contractual or commercial issues associated with interconnection; or (g) interconnection of distributed resources and distribution systems that are not ultimately connected to a province-wide or regional electricity grid (i.e., remote locations).

The Alberta Distributed Generation Interconnection Guide provides guidelines for connecting a generation facility to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES) via a Wires Owner’s distribution system, and assists in determining the technical and operating requirements of the facility. The Guide was developed by the Alberta Distributed Generation Technical and Policy Committee without regard to whether its adoption may involve patents on articles, materials or processes.

This standard covers the safety and performance of distributed energy resource systems. These systems may be comprised of distributed energy sources such as photovoltaic arrays or wind turbines in homogenous or hybrid configurations, energy storage systems, grid interface equipment and related equipment to accomplish functionality of the distributed energy system.